Submitted By
Marcella Bondie Keenan, Chief Sustainability Officer
Reviewed By
A.M. Zayyad, Deputy Village Manager
Agenda Item Title
Title
Presentation and Discussion on Municipal Options for Blending Renewable Energy within Retail Supply and Aggregation Contracts
End
Overview
Overview
A presentation from Mark Pruitt, principal of the Power Bureau, the Village’s consultant for services related to the Village's municipal aggregation and renewable energy programs, on options available to municipalities seeking to purchase renewable energy.
End
Anticipated Actions/Commitments
Recommendation
Provide direction to Village staff regarding options to pursue.
Report
See attached presentation.
DEI Impact
Natural gas and other fossil fuels used for building energy create greenhouse gas emissions, which are driving climate change impacts which will be very detrimental to future generations. In Oak Park, building energy accounts for approximately 70% of total community carbon emissions. Shifting to renewable energy eliminates greenhouse gas emissions.
High energy burden (the percent of household income spent on energy bills) is disproportionately borne by people of color, low-income people, renters, and other vulnerable populations (Drebobl et al., “How High Are Household Energy Burdens? An Assessment of National and Metropolitan Energy Burden Across the United States”). In recent months, natural gas costs have approached or exceeded electricity costs in Oak Park, and low-income residents are substantially more energy-burdened (US Dept. of Energy, LEAD tool, Analysis of Oak Park, IL census tracts). Renewable energy, especially under a community solar model, may provide financial relief for energy-burdened households.
Upon receiving Board direction, an engagement and co-design strategy will be developed for community-facing policies and programs, with an emphasis on outreach to highly impacted community members.
Alternatives
Request additional information from staff.